“Ugghndn…” Phoenix groaned. Awareness came back slowly, and the first thing she noticed was the awful taste in her mouth, and some sort of gross crust that made it hard to open her eyes. Her tank top and shorts were drenched with what she could only hope was sweat. She groaned as she flopped around and pushed herself into a sitting position. Rubbing her eyes, they finally opened to the dark forest once more. A red flashing light in her sight made her open her messages.

Debuff Food Poisoning Removed!

Debuff Poisoning Removed!

New Passive Skill Acquired!

You tried and failed to eat and drink. It was a sorry sight, but you managed to live through a whole two hours of vomiting…even if you were unconscious for the majority of it.

Poison Resistance I (Uncommon)

Ignoring the barb the system gave her again, Phoenix opened the description.

Poison Resistance I (Uncommon, Passive)

Poison Resistance will increase your resistance by 5% to all types of poison, and expel poisons from your body faster. Level up this skill to increase resistance.

This skill remains passive.

Looking at her skills, a new tab was created and labeled “Passive”, with Poison Resistance slotted underneath. Phoenix shifted in her spot and saw that all the undergrowth had been moved away from underneath her while she had writhed around. Alright enough, I need to get my shit together and survive. Already her stomach was cramping again, this time begging for something to eat, and her mouth was drier than Texas heat.

Clearly she couldn’t eat the raw meat of the animals, and there was no means to start a fire. Even if she could, she wasn’t sure what that light would attract. She shuddered thinking back to the ShadowWolf she had seen earlier. There was no way she’d survive an encounter with one of them. Gathering herself again she stood up, grabbed her sharp stick and headed off in another direction. After only a couple minutes she heard a loud crack and whipped around. The forest seemed to tremble under whatever was lumbering toward her. She swiftly ran to a nearby tree and began to climb, only stopping when she could barely see the forest floor. The ground continued to rumble and a massive shadow appeared.

ShadowBear (F)

Essence ??

Beyond the sound of her racing heart, she didn’t make a sound. All of the sudden howls rang out from all around her, the sound bouncing off the trees and rocks making the sound even more eerie. She peered through the branches and watched as the ShadowBear paused and raised its head, eyes looking straight at her tree. She stayed frozen praying it couldn’t see her. All of the sudden the forest exploded with sound and movement. Three black shadows raced out from nearby bushes and landed on the ShadowBear. Analyze pinged all three.

ShadowWolf (F)

Essence ? - ??

Phoenix stayed silent watching the fight go down. The bear swung its massive head and began rearing, throwing two of the three wolves off of it. One of its paws swiped at another wolf joining the fray, but it dodged. The bear rolled, crushing the last wolf on its back underneath him. Phoenix heard a yelp, and saw the wolf drag its broken body out of the fray. Another, much louder howl rang out through the air. It felt as if the atmosphere had shifted, and she saw one more wolf emerge from the thicket. This one was different, bigger, and had an aura that screamed danger. The bear felt this too, because it turned to face the new wolf.

Alpha ShadowWolf (F)

Essence ??

Core ?

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

They both snarled at each other, but as the wolf approached him, it seemed to use some kind of skill, because the bear froze in place, lips still pulled back over its teeth just long enough for the pack to rally and literally dogpile on top of him. Phoenix heard a loud snap and cringed knowing it’s neck had been broken. It only took a couple minutes for the pack to drag its massive body back to the underbrush and away from the carnage. The Alpha stayed and approached the injured wolf, but one glance and it left it to die. With that the Alpha trotted away as well.

Taking a deep breath, Phoenix began to descend the tree and touched down on the ground floor. The injured wolf looked toward her, but she knew he would be no threat. She could see the visible injury to its spine. A feeling of pity washed over her for the beast. It had not asked to be left behind, and it knew on its own it would die. Phoenix didn’t know a lot about the new world and the magic that came with it, but she knew she couldn’t save him. The look in his eye told her he knew the same. A brief understanding passed between the pair, and the wolf dropped its head to the ground. Phoenix raised her self made spear and brought it down, piercing it through the eye.

ShadowWolf Defeated!

Essence Collected. Race Attribute in effect, +100%

Level Up!

Level Up!

Level Up!

Level Up!

Essence 2 -> 6

+12 Stat Points

Stealth Skill Leveled Up!

You watched a massive fight go down from the top of the trees and did nothing for it, but you weren’t seen or detected so that’s a good thing. Here’s your reward.

Stealth II -> III

Piercing Skill Learned!

You killed a creature while it was already about to die, be so proud of yourself.

Piercing I

The snarky comments were getting ridiculous, but she ignored them like always. Staying with her same ratio of 2/1 Vitality/Strength, she distributed her stat points. Another message popped up before she had a chance to close her window.

Essence 5 obtained, Class Unlocked, please choose from the following. WARNING: Once chosen you will not be able to go back. Choose Wisely.

Phoenix moved herself back to her perch in the tree just in case something bigger decided to come back and decide she was their dinner like the pack had the bear. Once settled she opened up the window again and was greeted by a massive amount of information.

Warrior (Common)

This class is one of the most common, and picked by those whose blood burns for the fight. One of the cornerstones of the world, warriors are known to be strong and can take a heavy hit. Possible Future Evolutions: Saint Warrior, Knight, Protector

Ranger (Common)

This class is known for its agility, dexterity, and ability with a bow. Those who pick this class prefer to deal damage from afar. Due to their heavy damage, Rangers often prefer to work alone. Possible Future Evolutions: Tracker, Scout, Tamer

Cleric (Common)

This class is known for healing and restoration. Those who pick this class yearn for peace, and work behind the lines to heal those who have fallen ill or have been injured. Possible Future Evolutions: Divine Healer, Prophet, Monk

These all were pretty common classes if she remembered correctly from video games back on Earth. Before the end of the world a couple of her friends even played Dungeons and Dragons and from what she remembered from their stories they even sported a couple of these classes. She kept going, seeing a couple more options.

Beast Tamer (Rare)

This class has a synergy with all animals, and has the ability to tame beasts. Those who pick this class gain strength from their tamed beasts and in rare cases skills. Possible Future Evolutions: Shifter, NightStalker, Tracker

Shadow Assassin (Epic)

This class hunts in the shadows. Those who pick this class are one with the darkness and use it as cover to hunt their targets. Even those of the highest essence have trouble identifying these mysterious beings.

UNKNOWN CLASS (UNKNOWN)

ERROR

Possible Future Evolutions: ERROR

Phoenix came to the end and her eyes rested on the Unknown Class. What the fuck is that? She tried opening it again, but the same Error message appeared. Phoenix was never one to follow the normal path, and something inside her screamed at her to select the Unknown Class. Closing her eyes and hoping she wouldn’t regret it, she clicked it.

Confirm Class Choice: UNKNOWN CLASS

Yes/No

Phoenix selected Yes.